Mayor Mamdani Repeals Adams’ Orders, Sparks Concern Among Jewish Community

Mayor Zohran Mamdani has taken decisive action in his first 100 days by repealing all executive orders issued by his predecessor, Eric Adams, between September 26, 2024, and December 31, 2025. This move, aimed at advancing his agenda, has raised significant concerns among some members of the Jewish community regarding his commitment to their protection and welfare.

The blanket repeal nullified several key orders by Adams, including those that prevented city agencies from divesting from Israel and mandated the New York Police Department (NYPD) to review strategies to keep protests away from houses of worship, including synagogues. In addition, Mamdani’s actions have also overturned an order that adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism as a public policy for New York City.

Mamdani justified the repeal as a necessary step to restore trust among New Yorkers who may have lost confidence in the mayor’s independence during Adams’ tenure. He emphasized that he has preserved the previous administration’s establishment of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism, suggesting a commitment to fighting hate. However, he did not provide specific details on how he plans to modify this office or its initiatives.

Amid these developments, some skeptics question whether Mamdani’s statements align with his actions regarding antisemitism. The Jewish community expects the mayor to take a proactive stance against hatred, which includes adopting the IHRA’s definition as part of the city’s public policies. This is seen as essential for establishing a zero-tolerance approach toward antisemitism.

Furthermore, there are calls for the mayor to ensure that the NYPD takes necessary precautions to safeguard synagogues and other places of worship from potential protests. Community leaders stress that protecting New York’s interests in Israel is crucial, especially since it is home to a significant Jewish population.

As Mamdani navigates the complexities of his role, the Jewish community hopes for clear and decisive action that reflects his commitment to be a mayor for all New Yorkers. Many are looking for concrete steps, whether that involves reaffirming Adams’ orders with his signature or issuing new directives that demonstrate a strong stance against antisemitism.

In the coming weeks, the effectiveness of Mamdani’s leadership will be scrutinized as the Jewish community evaluates whether his words translate into meaningful actions. The stakes are high, and the need for proactive commitment to protect Jewish New Yorkers has never been more pressing.